McCabe extends contract for two seasons

Pat McCabe has re-signed with the University of Canberra Brumbies until the end of the 2015 season after putting pen to paper on Tuesday morning.

The 18-Test Wallaby has been a member of the Brumbies fulltime squad since 2010 having made his way through the Brumbies Academy and Waratahs Academy out of school.

Sitting just shy of 50 Brumbies Rugby caps, McCabe will now have to wait to knock up his half century after suffering a slight strain on his left knee during the side’s last minute loss to the Waratahs on Saturday night.

Scan results taken on Monday have shown the injury was not as serious as first thought and McCabe will take his rehabilitation week by week.

Already a veteran of three Spring Tours with the Wallabies and a Rugby World Cup in 2011, McCabe adds experience and rugby know-how to a developing Brumbies backline.

“I’ve spent my entire professional career with the Brumbies and it’s comforting to know that my future has been confirmed in Canberra through to the end of 2015,” McCabe said.

“Canberra has been home since 2009 and I feel a strong connection to the community here. The Brumbies supporters have always given me plenty of backing and it’s nice to be able to stay here and repay that faith.

“Eating, sleeping and playing together has made this team very tight and I consider the boys here some of my best friends. It’s a pleasure to be staying with the Brumbies and I look forward to the next two years of rugby here in Canberra.”

McCabe joins a list of players who have extended their contracts through to the end of 2015 including Ben Mowen, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Christian Leaiifano, Matt Toomua, David Pocock and Head Coach, Jake White.

White said he was pleased to retain McCabe’s services.

“Pat is an important part of this Brumbies squad both on and off the field,” White said.

“His professional approach and preparation for rugby has had a positive impact those around him and I have no doubt is making the younger guys in our squad better players.

“Pat is well liked and well respected and it’s a pleasure to have him on board for another two seasons of Super Rugby.”

The University of Canberra Brumbies fly to Auckland on Friday morning to take on the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday night.